Q & A with 2011 VCU commit Briante Weber

6’2 combo guard Briante Weber committed to VCU this past summer after VCU Elite Camp where he impressed the coaching staff enough to get an offer which he accepted. The two-time All-Southeastern District Defensive Player of the YearÂ averaged 17 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg, and 4 steals per contest, picking the Rams over a number of other schools, but most notably garnering interest from UVA out of the ACC. While there was no official offer from the Cavaliers’ coaching staff, there was heavy interest with the prevailing sentiment among Cavaliers’ fans that Weber would commit to UVA. There was an element of surprise from the UVA fan base upon learning that Briante committed to VCU.

Briante is young for his class as he just turned 17 and elected to take a prep year at Fork Union Military Academy. Although he qualified academically to go to college in 2010, he wanted to work on his body so that he would be more college-ready upon coming to VCU. ESPN compared him to Rajon Rondo with regards to his long wingspan and explosive athleticism and he has shown tremendous improvement going from a 76 grade to an 89 grade this summer. Rivals also listed him as a 3-star recruit and Scout.com rated him as a 2-star recruit.

VCURamNation: On behalf of the Ram Nation Iâ€™d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind and why did you pick them over the other schools?

Briante: My reason for picking VCU was that it was the best fit for me. Â All my skill sets were matched in this style of play so it made it an easy pick.

VCURamNation: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

VCURamNation: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

Briante: Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics) because we play alike and we both play the same way on defense.

VCURamNation: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

Briante: My on-the-ball defense.

VCURamNation: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year and what goals do you have for yourself?

Briante: I see me coming in and producing the best I can.

VCURamNation: You played with Boo Williams as well as a very talent-rich area in the 757 with Great Bridge. You’ve decided to take a post-grad year at Fork Union Military Academy. How do you think all these experiences will help you be successful at the next level in college?

Briante: I think FUMA would help prepare me to get ahead in my work first. It would also help prepare me for the college game and how to mature as a person and a player.

VCURamNation: You recently came to VCU on a weekend visit. What did you do while here and how did you like it?

Briante: I hung out with the team and my bro Theus and went to the step show. I just want to get to VCU ASAP.

VCURamNation: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

Briante: I started hearing from them at the VCU team camp and Coach Rhoades was my recruiter.

VCURamNation: What are you most looking forward to about coming to VCU?

Briante: Getting in the Siegel Center and WREAKING HAVOC AHHHH!

VCURamNation: Anything you want to say to the VCU fans?

Briante: VCU fans get ready to yell for VCU #2 digg dat!

VCURamNation: Thanks so much for your time Briante and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!